The ill-fated band The Charlatans has been stricken by crisis once again.

Keyboardist Tony Rogers has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, just as the group is preparing to release their seventh album, "Wonderland," next month.

The band's official site, TheCharlatans.net, said Rogers got the "rather distressing" news prior to a recent concert. He underwent the surgery after filming a video for the group's next single, "Love Is The Key."

"He has since undergone an operation and has recently begun an initial series of radiology and chemotherapy treatment," the site said. "During this period he has been at times quite poorly, very tired and has been forced to spend time in hospital or in recuperation following treatment.

"The initial signs to his prescribed treatment are proving positive. Tony is in a very, very positive frame of mind in respect of his condition, and has continued to work virtually unaffected.

"Our biggest problem is trying to slow him down. The concept of 'taking it easy' is not exactly in the Tony Rogers mindset!"

Rogers replaced original keyboardist Rob Collins, who died in a July 1996 car crash. Previously, Collins had spent time in custody after being linked to an armed robbery.